The New South Wales Racehorse Owners’ Association has announced the 2023/24 finalists for its flagship event, Racing’s Night of Champions and OTI is proud to be represented with three separate award contenders.
Lady Laguna (NSW Champion Sprinter), Cepheus (NSW Champion Country Horse) and Athabascan (NSW Champion Stayer) have all been selected. Not only are we delighted to have three of our top-line gallopers recognised, but we’re also thrilled with the diverse nature of our finalists.
Whilst Lady Laguna will have to outdo the likes of Everest winner Think About It, her memorable summer and autumn campaign will hold her in good stead. Taking out two races in Queensland, as well as the Group 3 Southern Cross Stakes and Group 1 Canterbury Stakes sees her as a deserving finalist in the NSW Champion Sprinter category.
Athabascan had a fruitful staying season, winning the Listed City Tattersalls Club Cup and Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality in the spring, before rounding out his autumn preparation with a strong 2nd in the Group 1 Sydney Cup. Hopefully it’s enough to see him crowned NSW Champion Stayer.
A contender in the 2022/2023 season, Cepheus has again been selected as a finalist for NSW Champion Country Horse courtesy of his victories in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes, $1.5m Alan Brown Stakes and the South Grafton Cup. He was also a brave 2nd in the $3m Big Dance.
The finalist’s shortlist was decided by a point score system with horses earning points for top three finishes in Group and Listed races and special, high prizemoney events. The finalists will be judged by a panel of industry experts including representatives from Racing NSW, The Australian Turf Club, racing media, and the NSWROA board.
The awards will be presented at a black-tie gala dinner in the ballroom at Royal Randwick on Thursday, 29th August 2024.